Entering the UK with your business can be an exciting opportunity to capitalize on the dynamic environment of the country. For the owners or directors of companies based out of the UAE, the UK Global Business Mobility Expansion Worker Visa will allow them to establish their company in the UK.
This guide gives you all the necessary details about the UK GBM Expansion Worker Visa, including the eligibility, application process, fees, benefits, and services by Miller & Carter.
What is the UK GBM Expansion Worker Visa?
The Expansion Worker Visa falls under one of the categories of migration covered under the UK Global Business Mobility (GBM) . This visa enables foreign organizations that have not yet set foot in the UK to transfer their key personnel and experts so that they can establish a branch or a wholly-owned subsidiary in the UK.
The UK GBM Expansion Worker Visa is specifically designed for companies that wish to expand their businesses internationally while maintaining control of the venture.
Eligibility Criteria
A UK Expansion Worker Visa involves several eligibility criteria.
The person should:
- Be working in a multinational company that intends to establish itself in the UK.
- Work as a senior manager or as a specialized employee.
- Have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship issued by your company.
- Have worked for your company in another country if required under the immigration rules.
- Be working in an occupation that qualifies under the UK Global Business Mobility program.
- Meet the minimum salary requirement for your occupation.
In addition to this, your company should have a sponsor license in the UK to issue a Certificate of Sponsorship.
How Long Can You Stay?
The period of validity of the UK Expansion Worker Visa would be till:
- 12 months after the date of the employment mentioned in your Certificate of Sponsorship.
- Your Certificate of Sponsorship duration period plus additional 14 days.
In case you require additional time to establish your UK business, the visa would be valid for an additional 12 months and the total validity period would be 2 years.
It should be noted that time spent under the UK Expansion Worker Visa and some other types of Global Business Mobility visas would count towards the total period of 5 years out of 6.
What Are Your Rights with This Visa?
The UK Expansion Worker Visa gives applicants a number of privileges.
You will be able to:
- Establish and develop the UK branch/subsidiary of your business.
- Work in the role stated in your Certificate of Sponsorship.
- Enter and leave the UK freely.
- Study while being in the UK.
- Take your eligible dependants, including your spouse/children.
- Engage in eligible volunteer activities.
All this would help you to establish your UK business and have a skilled professional in your team during the whole process of expansion.
Limitations under the Visa
While the visa opens up many opportunities for business operations, it does come with some restrictions.
Cannot:
- Work for other employers.
- Work a second job.
- Be eligible for most of the UK state benefits including the State Pension.
- Apply for ILR through this type of visa directly.
Businesses and employees hoping to stay in the UK long term should be advised to consult professionals on how to choose another immigration route that would lead to settlement.
Application Process
There are some key steps required when applying for the UK Expansion Worker Visa.
Obtain Sponsor Licence
The overseas business will need to obtain the correct UK sponsor licence which is needed for sponsoring Expansion Workers.
Get a Certificate of Sponsorship
After being authorized, the employer allocates a Certificate of Sponsorship which includes details about the position and employment.
Apply Online
Applications can be done online and at least three months before the employment date starts.
Identity Verification
Depending on the process, the applicant will have to attend an appointment for biometric verification or do digital identity verification.
Decision Time
It takes about:
- 3 weeks for non-UK applicants.
- 8 weeks for UK-based applicants.
Fast track processing may be available in some regions.
Costs to Consider
The following will need to be paid by applicants:
- Application fee to UK visa.
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) per year to stay in the UK.
- Personal financial proof when necessary.
Additional costs may be incurred by fast-track processing applicants.
Relocation to the UK with Your Family
Expansion Worker Visa allows the dependents of eligible applicants to move to the UK.
Eligible dependents include your spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner, and children meeting the UK’s immigration requirements.
To conclude, Expansion Worker Visa is one of the best visas through which professionals can move to the UK along with their families and establish business in the UK.
Why Should You Expand Your Business to UK?
Despite the economic crisis, UK still remains one of the best places for your business and investments within international business environment. The reasons why UAE based companies select UK for their business expansion are:
- Economic stability of the country.
- Good legislation and regulations.
- Access to the market.
- High quality work force.
- Modern infrastructure.
- Good business environment for foreign investors.
Your business expansion to UK will increase your business status and provide additional opportunities to reach customers, partners and investors.
Why Choose Miller & Carter UAE for Your Immigration Process?
Business establishment in UK does not only imply filling the immigration forms. Very often it is necessary to know the rules of the immigration process and have good documentation in order to be successful in your business establishment in UK.
Immigration specialists of Miller & Carter UAE are well-informed about the UK immigration legislation and will help you to prepare your company to the business establishment in UK. Our services include:
- Preparation of sponsor license.
- Assessment of eligibility.
- Immigration documents and applications preparation.
- Dependant visas.
Expanding Business into UK - Planning to Expand Your Business into UK
UK Global Business Mobility Expansion Worker Visa offers the chance to international companies to enter the UK market as it provides them with the chance of setting up their operations in the most competitive and prominent markets in the world. There is no denying the fact that it is very easy for your business to expand into the UK market with proper planning.